COUNTRY NEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8533, 6 April 1891, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS

PUKEKOHE WEST.

A 'meeting of our local School Committee was held at the schoolhouse on Saturday last, the 28th nit., to discuss the draining of of the schoolground, and other important matters in connection with the school. All the members of the committee were present. After the minutes of previous meeting were read, it was carried on the motion of Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Wilson, That a watercourse at least 12 feet wide and about 15 inches deep be made along the low portion of the playground, so as to confine the floodwater, instead of allowing it to inundate the whole ground as at present." The course was pegged out, and tenders called for executing the same. It was also decided to keep the school closed for another fortnight, as a great number of children are suffering from an obnoxious and contagious disease, commonly called Maori-pock, which was brought into the neighbourhood by some person or persons unknown. For the benefit of those who may be suffering from it, I would recommend mercurial ointment, or sulphur and butter, or any other grease, as the grease will make the sulphur adhere to the skin. Rub the above well into the skin, and in a few days the disease will disappear. Another subject that is engrossing a great deal of attention and comment in the district is the manner in which the members of the South Franklin Mounted Infantry were treated at the late military sports. In the first event, in which a South Franklin trooper competed on horseback, he protested against the winner, on the ground of his not being in uniform, in accordance with the rules. _ No notice was taken of the protest. Again, in the LloydLindsay: competition, where there were at least five or six squads competing, the best squad of the South Fiankliu troopers were sent out, and started under protest. _ This squad appeared at the starting point in full uniform, and fully equipped—that is, carrying rifles, swords, revolvers, cross-belts, etc., whilst the winning squad merely carried their carbines. This alone was quite sufficient to entitle the second squad to first honours, but when we take the dressings of the first and second squads into consideration, this again should entitle them to first prize. As there was no comparison between the first prize squad and the squad taking second place, the first prize squad in jumping the hurdles was more like a horse race, one behind the other, and no dressing kept, whilst the second prize squad jumped the hurdles as one horse. This was noticed by the admiring crowds by the clapping of hands and hearty hurrahs. The decision of the judges (who, by the way, knowing them as I do, were not competent to judge horsejor mounted events), gave great dissatisfaction, so much so that Captain Harris withdrew his men from further competition. I have heard on more than one occasion complaints from the South Franklin troopers of the manner in which they have been treated while assisting to promote manly and honest sport, and they honestly believe (which belief is shared by a great number of people, which all their actions will also bear out) that they are without doubt the smartest body of mounted troopers in the North Island ; and if their commanding officer is not popular with other officers having charge of sports, etc., it is poor policy to allow that feeling to go so far as to keep from the men that to which they, with the general public, believe they were honestly entitled to, viz., the first instead of the second prize in the Lloyd-Lindsay competition.[Own Correspondent.]

TUAKAU. The annual picnic in connection with the Whangarata school was held in Mr. Shea's paddock on March 19th. Although the weather was very threatening, a large number of the parents and friends from this and surrounding districts put in an appearance, and proceeded to enjoy themselves in various ways. A long programme of sports for the children was admirably carried out by an energetic committee. The Tuakau fife and drum band was an attraction, and added very much to the enjoyment of the day. The edibles supplied by Air. Condon, Hobsonstreet. Auckland, gave every satisfaction, though, as usual, a few grumblers found something not quite to their liking. As the evening closed in, all proceeded to the schoolroom, and as many as could find seats did so, while the rest were obliged to stand. An excellent programme was presented to an appreciative audience, as follows:—Clarionette overture, Air. Thos. Wright; song, Miss Harris; recitatation, Mr. Stuart; song, Air. Albin; song, Airs. Harper; recitation, Mr. Gilmour; song, Mr. Rust; song, Miss Hobson ; clarionefcte, Air. T. Wright; song, Mr. John Whiteside; song, Miss Smith; recitation, Mr. James Poland ; song, Miss Harris; overture, piano, Miss Smart; reading, Air. J. H. Wright; instrumental (bagpipes), Air. James Whiteside. Votes of thanks were accorded to the ladies and gentlemen who came from a distance to assist, and to Mr. Smart for loan of piano. The meeting terminated with "Auld Lang Syne," immediately after which the room was cleared, and all true lovers of the terpsichoreau art tripped the light fantastic until daybreak.—[Own Correspondent.]

POLLOIv. On Friday, the 20th March, the s.s. Manukau conveyed a goodly number of people on a piscatorial excursion on the Alanukau. It seems that a number of gentlemen in Waiuku and Onehunga formed themselves into a committee, chartering the above steamer for, I think one day in the month, or thereabouts, to go a-iishing—Saturday, the 21st, bein" the first of the series. Captain Clark and his men are well acquainted with the pipi beds ami other fish-feeding grounds at the bottom of the waters of the Alanukau, at all stages of the tide, steaming from place to place as circumstances require. Although they can tell excursionists that, one or two things must be observed, so as to make the day's fishing a success from the deck of a vessel; the first is quietness. A well-baited hook and a wellbated breath are almost indispensable, the fish being acute in sight and sound, and easily scared by human voices. The fish when causrht were immediately cleaned and hung up in the wind by the crew, each man's basket kept apart from others, which were handed to the respective owners when the day's sport was ended. During the day the excursionists were exceedingly well treated in several respects by the master of the steamer and his men, carrying from the cook's galley sandwiches, cakes, tea, and other good things, and serving them up at intervals or when wanted; they deserve praise, and indeed something more tangible than praise, for their frank, off-handed kindness. This fishing idea, when put into practice, as it was done on the 21st, with a tight little steamboat under one's feet, is something new in this part of the country, although I do not know a place better adapted for it in New Zealand, the Manukau being a great inland salt-water lake or big pond, teeming with fish. People in Auckland, Onehunga, and other places, in taking advantage of the next fishing day, would find that a novel excursion of this kind is a grand treat, besides a thousand thanks from the endearing members of your household for presenting them with a basket of clean, sweet fish.—[Own Correspondent.]

OPUJNAKE. Ox Monday, the 23rd March, a meeting was held in the School-house, Opunake, Mr. F. McGuire, M.IT.R., in the chair. It was resolved to form a Field and Literary Club, having for its object the promotion of interest in scientific and literary pursuits. The following officers were elected President, Mr. 13. Maxwell; vice-president, Mr. \V. Pettigrew ; lion, , secretary, Mr. J. W. Brame; lion, treasurer, Mr. H. Easoii. It was also resolved to communicate with the authorities with the view of obtaining the old library building in the redoubt for the use of the club.

On Wednesday, the 25th March, a children's entertainment was given in the Public Hall. Great credit is due to Miss Prosser and Mr. Eason for the degree of efficiency to which the children had attained under tneir tuition. It is to be regretted, however, that the entertainment was allowed to clash with ,tiiat of the piano fund concert and dance that was advertised for the next evening, most of the young people preferring to wait for the regular monthly entertainment, hence the children's performances did not realise much beyond actual expenses. The object was to procure money for prizes and tree planting at the school.

The following are the exports from the port of Opunake, through Messrs. Newman Bros.' agency: — Flax, (306 bales, value £1600; fungus, 18 bales, £100; bones, 43 sacks, £10; butter, 28 kegs, £60; seed, 11 sacks, £15; sundries, 16 packages, £20; total, £1805. More than the above quantity of flax has been shipped by Messrs. Newman Brothers this year. The following were exported from Opunake in 1890 by the Northern Steam Navigation Company : —Butter, 833 packages. £1666; wool, 124 bales, £1240; wool, 1 bag, £22; flax, 339 bales, £678 ; fungus, 35 bales, £140; tallow, 27 casks, £162; hides, 421, £210; skins, 30 bundles, £18; bones, 92sacks, £20; cheese, 29 cases, £58; sundries, £60 furniture, 19 packages, £20: sundries, 116 packages, £40; total, £4314.[0wn Correspondent.] • Mr. Pettigrew, who is made of a stuff that is generally termed go-ahead, never loses an opportunity of endeavouring to promote the interest and talent of those that way inclined. He has a good henchman to support him, namely, Mr. Brame, our local postmaster. Mr. Pettigrew convened a meeting at his office, for the purpose of promoting the study of natural history, etc. Mr. Pettigrew was voted to the chair, and briefly explained the position, etc. A discussion followed,

Messrs. Brame, Maxell, R» a ikes, jLason, Cross, and A. H. MoAn taking part. ' -MrMaxwell offered to pl» e at the disposal 01 the society the whole <A the Journals of the New Zealand Institute, Vd , works on ferns, botany, and Sir WalteVßuller's work on birds; also, his private Election of ferns, for which he took first P\ze at the Melbourne Exhibition some tini\ ft go. Resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Rakes and Maxwell, " That the name be thej)punake Literary and Field Club." , Re&ved, on the motion of Messrs. Brame a*J Maxwell, " That the objects be to promo&an interest in scientific and literary purpdes." • Another meeting is to be held at the fe'hoolroom, when it is hoped there will -be alarger attendance; also, that parents wi\ take a lively interest in the matter. LUVn Correspondent.] ... _ V